Below is the schedual for this year's conference.  The programming is organized around the following 7 educational tracks:

Track 1: Personal Skills (7 Sessions)

Leadership begins with personal skills! You can become a more effective leader, teacher, activist or mentor and, by preventing burnout, you will even enjoy doing it!

Track 2: Organizational Management I (7 sessions)

Build a more effective organization! Get organized, build membership, develop programs, generate publicity and strengthen your community.

Track 3: Organizational Management II (6 sessions)

Take your organization to the next level! Put on events, deal with zoning, get insured, manage your money and learn how to resolve the conflicts that may be holding you back.

Track 4: Outreach (6 sessions)

The dilemma: our leaders are aging while the Internet is awash with SM/leather/fetish newbies. You can strengthen your organization by building bridges between communities and by bringing in the new folks.

Track 5: Community Issues (7 sessions)

Discuss the issues with leather leaders from all over the nation! Is the "old guard" relevant? Can we support diversity while assimilating new leatherfolk? How do the leather/levi clubs fit in? By participating in the discussion you can help shape the answers.

Track 6: Activism (7 sessions)

Leather activism is changing the world and changing our community! Find out where we have been and where we are going, and gain the skills you need to make the future a friendlier place for leatherfolk everywhere.

Track 7: Public Relations (6 sessions)

Leather leaders are the faces and the voices of our community! You can gain the publicity you want while avoiding the publicity that you don't.  Better yet, we will teach you to use that publicity as effectively as possible.

Share your ideas and learn from others' experience speaking about BDSM and Leather to vanilla audiences, including family & friends, college audiences, and vanilla activist groups.

Attracting and Retaining Members - Jack McGeorge
     Track - 2  (Rm: Adams/federal)

Groups exist to meet the needs of their members. If you don't attract and keep new members your group may wither and fade away. Jack McGeorge discusses techniques that facilitated Black Rose's growth from a few dozen members to almost 500 in 12 years.

Old Guard/New Guard, Change and Continuity - Jack Rinella
     Track - 5  (Rm: Washington/Federal)

The term "Old Guard" is often bandied about as we face the challenges of living in a growing community. What is Old Guard and what does it mean for us today and tomorrow?

SM Groups and Law Enforcement: Interaction, Contact, and Avoidance - Scott Parker
     Track - 6  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

This presentation focuses on the relationship between the SM community and law enforcement. We will examine three aspects: (1) creating a good relationship with law enforcement, (2) avoiding legal trouble and constructively interacting with law enforcement if the need arises, and (3) local considerations.

Practical Techniques for Burnout Prevention (part 1) - Bob Sheavly
     Track - 1  (Rm: Diplomat room)

Learn three techniques to prevent burnout. Join us if you'd like to leave feeling relaxed, renewed, having learned how to apply these techniques in your daily life. Techniques based on Taoist and Tantric principles that culminate in a full body orgasm and altered state of consciousness will be taught.

How to Run a Productive Business Meeting - Catherine Gros
     Track - 2  (State suite)

Learn how to Chair and participate in an effective, productive meetings. This class will address productivity, organization, keeping the personal out of business, curtailing endless processing, decision-making and ending a meeting on time while having met your goals of topics.

Organizing, Managing and Funding an Event, Run or Contest - Len Griffith
     Track - 3  (Rm: Monroe/national)

A discussion of the different facets of organizing, hosting and managing an event for the community. Date and site selection; organization of event staff; scheduling, funding, advertising, community resources, production.

Crowded Gateways and the Problem of Leather Socialization - Gregory Rose
     Track - 4  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

This roundtable will focus on identifying specific problems which the demographics of leather in the new century present for socializing newcomers into the community and molding a new generation of leaders and teachers from within their ranks.

Building Community in Boston: a Group Approach - Forrest
     Track - 5  (Rm: Adams/federal)

Presenting work done by a group formed in late 1999 to promote understanding and mutual acceptance among people of differing sexuality and leather orientations. The presentation focuses on personal growth and interpersonal work as a vehicle for community building.

Drawing Lines/Doing Outreach: Why We Need Community Guidelines for Private Behavior. -  Susan Wright,  david stein,  Mark Frazier
     Track - 6  (Rm: Washington/federal)

This workshop evolved out of the SM vs. Abuse Policy Institute, an ongoing LLC project to create a statement outlining the difference between s/m vs. abuse for use in vanilla outreach.

(7) You Want to Interview Me? - Cathy Renna
     Track - 7  (Rm: Jefferson/national)

Learn the art of the soundbite, when to take (and leave) an interview and how to make sure your story gets told. The highlight of this session will is on camera practice interviews.

Practical techniques for Burnout Prevention (Part 2) - Bob Sheavly
     Track - 1  (Rm: Diplomat room) 

Learn three techniques to prevent burnout. Join us if you'd like to leave feeling relaxed, renewed, having learned how to apply these techniques in your daily life. Techniques based on Taoist and Tantric principles that culminate in a full body orgasm and altered state of consciousness will be taught.

Tips For Building Community in Your Leather Fraternity or Club - Ron Meshanko, Neil Alexander, Connie Cox
     Track - 2  (Rm: Monroe/national) 

Learn the skills necessary for facilitating communication within your leather group, revitalizing your club to create new solutions , overcoming obstacles to working together, making consensual decisions, accomplishing specific tasks and achieving realistic goals.

Insurance for BDSM Groups and Events - Jack McGeorge, John Doyle, Joe Smith
     Track - 3  (Rm: Washington/federal)

The risk of catastrophic financial loss increases, as our groups become ever larger, more active and even wealthier. Join two insurance industry professionals for an in-depth discussion of the realities of insuring BDSM groups and events.

The Future Is Now - Kyri Connelly, Schelli Dittman, Boymeat, Hightower
     Track - 4  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

As we enter a new millennium, the leather community must prepare.. The future is filled with promise and change as our next generation of leather people assumes leadership. Join Kyri, Schelli, Josh, and Boymeat and discuss the dreams and hopes with some of BR and TES' most promising young leaders.

The Leather/Levi/Motorcycle Clubs, Founders of Organized Leather Expression: Are They Leaders or Passe? - Paul Rose
     Track - 5  (Rm: Adams/federal)

The Leather and Motorcycle Clubs provided an outlet for leathermen in the 1960s and 1970s. Their growth and programs were phenomenal.  Participants will discuss: Do they continue to play a role in leather leadership or have they become passé?

Domestic Violence vs. BDSM and Abuse in Relationships Involving Power Exchanges - Lady Victoria, Master Jim, slave marsha, Mark, Frazier
     Track - 6  (Rm:  State suite)

A paneled discussion on abuse within D/s and M/s relationships and distinguishing true domestic violence vs. the SSC practices of healthy BDSM. Information on NLA-I's Domestic Violence Video Project, created by Mark Frazier, will be also covered.

Media Advocacy and Media Relations - Getting the Message Across - Lenard Kent
     Track - 7  (Rm: Jefferson/national)

A workshop on media advocacy. A news media professional will explain how the news media decides to cover stories, and how activists can get media access to place a message.  

We ask that all lead presenters remain near their posters during this session to answer questions.

SM Outreach Through Photography - Barbara Nitke

Barbara Nitke will be available during the poster session to talk about how she photographs BDSM scenes. She will also give advice on how to take better pictures for people shooting BDSM events and scenes themselves.

Club X October Play Party Vice Raid - Madoc Pope

Vice busted our party and here is what happened, what we did about it, and how we won!

Civility and Incivility in the Scene: The Problem, Its Root Causes and Possible Solutions - Chris Messick

Ego trips, feuds, psychodrama, leatherfolk against leatherfolk. Why does it happen? My paper on civility (available at LLC2000) has received national level feedback. Join me in discussion of the challenges and a quest for solutions.

LeatherMedia Presents: The Sixty-Second Guide to Working with the News Media - Randy Brown

Quick Tips for Staff and Volunteers in Building Good Media Relations

Masters And slaves Together (MAsT) - Master Taino

Masters And slaves Together (MAsT) is a support group for Leathermen who live the Master/slave lifestyle or who are interested on it. The group meets once a month and discuss issues related to the lifestyle.

Leather Pride Night - Lolita Wolf

Since 1982, a coalition of NYC-area not-for-profit s/m-leather-fetish organizations has sponsored Leather Pride Night. LPN has donated close to $200,000 to organizations that create, promote, and support projects that benefit the s/m-leather-fetish community or further the rights of adults to any private sexual expression that is SSC.

Creating an "SMA" - It's Easier Than You Think - Jonathan Krall

SMA stands for SM Activism or SM Advocacy. The focus is on creating an informal group (e.g., DCSMA) where community leaders come to seek support and where activists come to seek projects to work on.

NCSF & The Importance of Politics and Social Change - Judy Guerin, Susan Wright

Learn why you should be and how you can be involved in political and social issues affecting the SM-Leather-Communities by supporting the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF). NCSF promotes tolerance and acceptance of safe, sane and consensual alternate sexual practices.

Sexual Freedom Now - Susan Wright

"Sexual Freedom Now" is an ad hoc group of members of the National Organization for Women (NOW) who support freedom of sexual expression for consenting adults. This project evolved out of the successful S/M Policy Reform Project as a way to further feminist discussions about sexuality.

The Leather Community and the Millennium March on Washington - Michael Crawford

The Millennium March April 30 will be the fourth national march for GBLT equality. Its purpose is to reenergize and galvanize the GLBT movement and mobilize voters for the elections. The presentation will be an overview of MMOW, its goals and the importance of the Leather community to its success.

Gateway Meetings: a Model that Works - Jack McGeorge

New and prospective members are often the people most in need of information and guidance yet are frequently the least likely to ask the necessary questions. BR's Gateway meeting has a five-year track record of putting newbies at ease and facilitating needed communication.

Brother, Help Thyself - Larry Stansbury

Brother, Help Thyself (BHT) provides direct and matching grants, acts as a clearinghouse for donated goods and services, and serves as an information resource to the community. BHT has been providing services and funding to qualified groups in the Washington and Baltimore areas since 1977.

Tips for SM Mentors - Ron Meshanko, Bob Sheavly
     Track - 1  (Rm: Monroe/national)

Mentoring is the primary means for learning from those who have gone before us. Learn about the SM Mentoring relationship, including Tips for being an effective SM mentor, tips for goal setting; and tips for reducing SM burnout.

SM Education: How It's Done/Lessons Learned - Chris Messick, Gil Kessler, Andrew Harwin
     Track - 2  (Rm: State suite)

SM educational resources form the primary mission for many SM groups. This workshop will cover the how-tos of teaching SM, covering lectures, demos, hands on workshops, written materials, and the educational nature of play events.

Zoning, Permits, and Other Administrivia for SM Groups - Scott Parker, Marci, Libby, Glenda Rider, Sarah Humble
     Track - 3  (Rm: Washington/federal)

It is important for our community to have an understanding of administrative rules in order to safely organize and maintain SM activities and functions. Attendees will benefit from the experiences of the panelists who have all dealt with legal and/or scene-related administrative issues.

Opening the Gate: How to Bring the Next Generation of Leather into the Community - Kyri Connelly, Schelli Dittman
     Track - 4  (Rm: Diplomat room)

In order for our community to grow, we need to insure that the next generation of leather folks is not left out. Join Kyri Connelly and Schelli Dittmann, co-facilitators and founders of BR-TNG as they explain the hows and whys of having your very own TNG.

Re-centering Diversity: Making Inclusiveness in the Leather Community a Reality (Part 1) - Wayne Nesbitt, Brian Dauth, Queen Cougar, Cain Berlinger, George Wong, Jill Carter, Jason Clark, MaDaddy Weebie, Ariq Robinson, Connie C, Ariq Robinson
     Track - 5  (Rm: Adams/federal)

Our objective is to understand the genesis of divisions within our family, and develop tangible methods to build a stronger more inclusive leather nation.

The Making of a BDSM Activist - Alex Hershaft
     Track - 6  (Rm: Jefferson/national)

Setting personal goals and objectives, power of the subconscious, raising self-esteem, turning negative emotions into positive force, getting things done, hierarchy of needs, developing leadership qualities, taking calculated risks, maintaining sound physical and mental health.

Continuously Improving Public Speaking Skills - Tom
     Track - 7  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

Workshop participants will be introduced to skills and techniques to enable them to continuously improve their public speaking skills.

A Guide to More Effective and Productive Oral and Written Communications - Judy Guerin
     Track - 1  ( Rm: Monroe/national)

A guide to communicating more effectively and in less time. Learn how to improve oral and written communications and listening skills. Learn how to get your message heard, read, and remembered.

Converting a Group from Sole-Proprietor to Member-Run Organization (Part 1) - Libby, Abilina
     Track - 2  (Rm: Adams/federal)

BDSM groups started by one to two people are limited in longevity if the group continues to draw on the energy and time of the founders. This workshop will cover aspects involved in the process of developing a member run organization using case studies and interactive exercises.

Fighting With Ourselves: Resolving Disputes Within Leather Organizations - Dick, Spencer Bergstedt, Lady Victoria
     Track - 3  (Rm: Washington/federal)

Experienced dispute mediators will briefly present guidelines for resolving serious disagreements within community organizations. Then, two officers/leaders of prominent leathery community organizations will pose real life situations from their experience for roundtable discussion.

Outreach: It's More Than A Grope In The Dark - Kevin Rost
     Track - 4  (Rm: Diplomat room)

This program will feature a case study of an effective program for outreach and positive exposure in the non-leather community. Paper and discussion of the case study, as well as other effective possibilities for outreach will be presented.

Assimilation/Integration in the Leather Community: is it Good for Gay and Lesbian Leatherfolk? -  Glenda Rider, Sarah Humble, Scott Reikofski, Lisa Boynton
     Track - 5  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

Gay and Lesbian Leatherfolk: Can or should our culture survive assimilation into the pansexual fold?

History of the Atlantic Motorcycle Coordinating Council: Its Impact on the Creation of Gay Motorcycle/Leather Clubs and Its Continued Impact on the Life of Those Clubs - Paul Rose
     Track - 6  (Rm: State Suite)

The Atlantic Motorcycle Coordinating Council founded in 1969 was the first inter-club organization. Its role in the development, growth, and change of Leather/Motorcycle clubs will be explored with an emphasis on the successes and failures of inter-club life.

Tools for Getting the Attention You Want - Cathy Renna
     Track - 7  (Rm: Jefferson/national)

This workshop demystifies the media and provides the skills necessary for getting the attention you want from mainstream and lgbt media. Add these media tools to your kit in order to present yourself and your community to the public in a powerful way.

Leadership means determining what should be done, inspiring people to help get it done and clearly communicating a vision of where your community should be going. This session will explore what is expected of you as a leader and the attributes and skills you need for effective leather community leadership.

Converting a Group from Sole-Proprietor to Member-Run Organization (Part 2) - Libby, Abilina
     Track - 2  (Adams/federal)

BDSM groups started by one to two people are limited in longevity if the group continues to draw on the energy and time of the founders. This workshop will cover aspects involved in the process of developing a member run organization using case studies and interactive exercises.

Organizing a Leather Group - Beyond the BR Guide - Slavette, Jonathan Krall
     Track - 3  (Rm: Washington/federal)

This discussion will focus on lessons learned from utilizing the BR Guide to Organizing a Leather Group with special emphasis on adapting the guide for use by groups in small to mid-size cities.

Outreach in the Leather Community - Linda Slodki
     Track - 4  (Rm: Diplomat room)

Outreach is key to the success and growth of any organization. Without it, you cannot grow, bring in new constituencies, and educate. In short,it is the lifeline to any organization.

Should the SM-Leather-Fetish Communities Establish a Leadership or Diversity Council for Guidance? - Judy Guerin, John Weis, Jan Hall, david stein, Joseph Bean, Randy Brown, Allena Gabosch, Spencer Bergstedt, Bruce Marcus, Glenda Rider
     Track - 5  (Rm: Jefferson/national)

A moderated panel of speakers experienced in the SM-Leather-Fetish communities and the GLBT movement discuss the possibility and practicality of establishing a similar structure for the SM-Leather-Fetish communities. A general discussion will follow.

Coalition Building: Community Building through "Dungeon Monitor Education" - Jerome "Treasure" Bambrick.
     Track - 6  (Rm: State suite)

This discussion will include the following topics: How to effectively approach and cultivate a positive relationships with area SM groups and develop a mutual standard of dungeon monitoring to be used by groups in the same area and how to go about achieving consensus on what the standards should be.

Winning Public Minds and Libidos - Alex Hershaft
     Track - 7  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

Theory of persuasion, techniques for changing feelings and beliefs, secrets of framing the discourse, importance of knowing the audience, adapting to presentation setting, elements of public speaking, effective negotiating and debating techniques.

Producing an Educational Handout for a More Effective Presentation - Thomas
     Track - 1  (Rm: Jefferson/national)

People who attend your educational lectures/workshops are just begging for a handout. So give them one! A well-organized handout will make your educational program more professional and useful to your students. Thomas will be covering the easy steps to plan, organize, and produce useful educational handouts for your educational programs.

Get the Word Out: Publicity from Scratch - Cecilia Tan
     Track - 2  (Rm: Monroe/national)

Whether your goal is to recruit members, get people to an event, or educate the public, publicity is the key to success. Learn how to: work with traditional news media, write press releases, research/build a media contacts list, or book yourself on talk shows plus, harness community resources, and use the Internet.

When a Checkbook isn't Enough: Practical Accounting and Financial Management Tips - Montague
     Track - 3  (Rm: Franklin/federal)

While this isn't an accounting course, it will touch on the basics with a strong focus on practical ways for non-accountants to manage their clubs' finances and transition from a checkbook to an accounting system. There will be handouts with examples and time for questions.  

LLC-V Community Meeting - Ed Moore, Jack McGeorge, Rose Vergara
     Track - 4  (Rm: Washington/federal)

During this open community meeting, the LLC2000 co-chairs will solicit comments on LLC2000 (aka LLC-IV) and solicit input for LLC-V.

Re-centering Diversity: Making Inclusiveness in the Leather Community a Reality II (Part 2) - Wayne Nesbitt, Brian Dauth, Queen Cougar, Cain Berlinger, George Wong, Jill Carter, Jason Clark, MaDaddy Weebie, Connie C., Ariq Robinson
     Track - 5  (Rm: Adams/federal)

Our objective is to understand the genesis of divisions within our family, and develop tangible methods to build a stronger more inclusive leather nation.

Becoming an Effective Citizen Lobbyist or How to Dom Your Government - Dave W.
     Track - 6  (Rm: State suite)

An examination of how to become involved in the political process and make things happen from getting zoning to hate crime laws to child custody issues.

Proactive Law Enforcement Outreach: "How to Get to Them Before They Get to Us" - Leigha Fleming, Jerome "Treasure" Bambrick.
     Track - 7  (Rm: Diplomat room)